Job 29-31

Today I started a Bible plan.  I want to read the Bible chronologically in a year.  Granted, the program sent me to read Job 29-31 today so I am not quite sure what the deal is what that, but I read it anyway.

I really need to go back and read the beginning of Job to have a better understanding, but some things really struck me that I want to mention.

Job 29...It's all about him.  It's "I this" and "I that".  I reminded me of today when everyone is very concerned about themselves versus God and others.  We are all focused on what we need.  Society tells us that we need to be concerned about that instead of the needs of others.  Granted, yes, they throw in those commercials that say that we need to help others, but those are few and far between.  I am very guilty of this.  It is that innate desire in all of us to be selfish.  It's a hard habit to break.  Today, I was teaching my homeschoolers that monks and nuns gave up the ways of their lives to devote it to the church.  What a selfless act!  I can only imagine how hard that is to do.

Job 30 - Job talks about how his life has drastically changed.  He's gone from the totally respected person to the most despised person, the lowest of the lows.  Even the rejects of society make fun of him.  This chapter reminded me in a way of the man that was "rediscovered" last week on YouTube.  He was once a DJ and had succumbed to drugs and alcohol that ultimately led to his demise and fate as a homeless man.  It wasn't until someone in Ohio read his sign about his "God given talent of voice" that he was instantly "brought back" to society.  He had had a good life prior to the drugs and alcohol but had everything taken away from him.  Even his own mother had given up on him.  In this chapter, Job was asking God why He was putting him through this.  That is what all of us do when we walk those painful paths in our life.  Thank God that Jesus redeemed us!

Job 31 - I noticed that Job is recalling his past to make sure that it is a good one for God to look at.  I know the story of Job but for some reason I thought the last chapter would be more of praise rather than recollection.  I guess that is why I need to go read all of the book.  Maybe then will the last chapter make more sense.

Lord, Please help me to realize my faults and praise you in each and every storm in my life.